Drugs used to spike drinks are often called 'date rape drugs' but aren't always used for sexual assault. Drugs used to spike drinks Most drugs leave the body within 72 hours of being ingested (some, like GBH, leave the body in 12 hours) so it's important to report the incident to the police as soon as possible to get tested. Report it to the police

Victims should never feel ashamed or that it is their fault, and it is vital the police are aware so that perpetrators can be identified and brought to justice, and we can prevent others from falling victim to this heinous crime.” Case studies Tunbridge Wells adopted a proportionate response to the allegations of spiking. The council took the reports of spiking extremely seriously and worked closely with the management of the venue to ensure that improvements were made, whilst also recognising that the venue is generally very well run, that there have been no issues with the venue previously, and that the venue was proactive and willing to work with the council and police to ensure safety of its customers. As we continue with our Spiked? campaign, we're delighted to announce that a range of anti-spiking products, including Spikeys, StopTopps and NightCap scrunchies have landed at the SU this week. Spikeys Many licensed premises work incredibly hard to ensure that their customers can enjoy a night out safely and deter perpetrators. To support licensed premises, several industry associations produced a factsheet which includes recommendations and some resources for the hospitality sector on how to respond to and prevent spiking. The LGA would recommend that licensed premises:On Wednesday, we hostedan open conversation on student safety within Tommy’s Lounge.This wasan opportunity to have an honest discussion about safety on campus and within our venues and the action you wanted to see taken. Thank you to everyone who came down and got involved - following the conversation we'll be looking to build a working group,including students, to progress the initiatives discussed. By five years ago and more, developers and inventors began working on silver bullet solutions that could alert potential victims that their drinks have been compromised with popular date rape drugs. There’s coasters, cups, straws, nail polish and even a smart device that has the potential to reverse drug-facilitated sexual assault trends. The following list of five detection gadgets discusses pros and cons, and their status. #1 Coasters are Available Alcohol is most commonly used to spike drinks, either by adding some to a non-alcoholic drink or adding double instead of single measures. Effects of spiking may vary but symptoms could include loss of balance, feeling sleepy, visual problems, confusion, nausea and vomiting or unconsciousness.

can provide an approximate time of the incident and the location within the premises where they believe it occurredWhile most venues work extremely hard to ensure freshers week stays fun, councils and PCCs are urging students to clue up on the signs of spiking and ways to protect themselves and their friends: Governments have taken many measures to help stop drink spiking, such as increasing awareness of the crime and increasing punishments for it. The public also has become more aware of drink spiking and is becoming more cautious about leaving their drinks unattended.

Where premises have had their licence revoked due to safety concerns and they appeal the decision, they are currently able to continue trading until their case is heard in court. With current capacity challenges within the courts, this process could take months. If you think you or someone you’re with has been spiked, tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff and report it to the Police Consider if it would be useful to provide anti-spiking bottle stoppers and protective drink covers. It may also be helpful to see if drug testing kits have been made available in your area by the police or council. Please get in touch if you want your donation to go towards training or providing spiking protection devices to particular venues or organisations: we will endeavour to make this possible so you can see the real-world impact of your donation. DID YOU KNOW?! Buy your own drinks as much as you can and even be wary about taking a sip of someone's drink if you don't know what's in it.Although certain pieces of evidence can be stored if you don't want to report what happened straight away, keep in mind that the CCTV footage of certain venues and even certain services of public transport may be wiped and taped over on a regular basis. I just wanted to say thank you for your help getting all the ponchos to me in time! The weather did turn out badly, so my stand was more than popular!" The ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative is an example of a scheme that is widely promoted by councils and used within the night-time economy. This initiative advises customers via posters in venue toilets that, if they ‘Ask for Angela’ at the bar, staff will be alerted to the fact that the person feels unsafe or threatened. Staff will know that the individual needs support to leave their situation, and can call them a taxi, escort them to their car or by call the police, for example. We offer resources and solutions that help people to stay safe, with a mission to raise awareness and ultimately stamp out spiking. Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or touching things that aren't there) or having an 'out of body experience'

StopTopps are our versatile drink-protectors that are designed to deter drink spikers. The single-use foil tops can be fitted on to cans, bottles and glasses, and we aim to make them available to the general public free of charge at venues across the country, alongside sponsored events. Support your staff: Make clear the routes for reporting unacceptable behaviour while at work and supporting cultural change. I have a real problem with the ‘date’ rape drug, because there’s no date. GHB is a weapon,” Januszczak told a meeting of National Organization for Women in Palm Beach County, Fla., in 2010. Ask for Angela’ - this initiative advises customers through posters in venue toilets that, if they ‘ask for Angela’ at the bar, staff will be alerted to the fact that the person feels unsafe or threatened. Staff will know that the individual needs support to leave their situation, and can call them a taxi, escort them to their car or call the police, for example. Donations also enable us to put spiking protection devices into the hands of vulnerable drinkers when they need them most. From large festivals to local venues, we have distributed thousands of free StopTopps and Spikeys thanks to your donations.

StopTopps

While drink spiking has existed for many years, over the past 12 months there has been an increase in reports of drink spiking and needle spiking – a new trend which sees substances administered by needles rather than through drinks. The Local Government Association, which represents councils across England and Wales, and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners are urging young people to learn about the dangers of spiking and take precautions to stay safe, ahead of the new university term.